Satsangs

Satsang is a compound Sanskrit word that means “keeping the company of the Self.” The Self, Awareness, is the true nature of everyone and one keeps company with it by continually meditating on it in many ways. One of the most effective methods involves discussing non-dual teachings with someone who has realized his or her identity as the Self, to get clarity with reference to Self inquiry. The satsangs posted here are the questions of many people around the world who are interested in enlightenment and find that Vedanta is their preferred means of Self knowledge. Since I am a teacher of Vedanta, a time tested means of self inquiry, I am qualified to reply to these questions.~James Swartz

ShiningWorld Reader

Arlindo: Free will is a function of a self-conscious subtle body operating in mithya. Apparently, human jivas are the only “intelligent” self-conscious beings on this planet. All other beings respond to the environment by instinct. They have no choice. They are programs and they have no sense of right or wrong. There is no free will or karma for them. In mithya, only human jivas seemingly have free will. The knowledge of what is right and what is wrong is built in to the causal bodies of all human jivas.

We all have this clear instinctive knowledge of what is proper action and what is not. But the problem with free will is that humans can “more intelligently” choose between objects, and by doing so they develop a taste for what is liked and a distaste for what is disliked. With time, this initial preference develops to become craving and addictions. Once these preferences grow to become “binding vasanas” human jivas are no longer able to exercise their free will according to their human nature. Violation of dharma = violation of one’s own mithya nature as a human jiva.

For example, we all know that it is natural to wish not to get hurt. Instinctively or subconsciously, all beings come into life with this self-preserving knowledge. Human jivas come with this knowledge as well, and we know that everyone else also wants to avoid getting hurt because if we try to hurt other jivas, instinctively they will try to protect themselves. Knowing that it is in everyone’s nature not to want to get hurt and die, why then do we human jivas hurt and kill other jivas? The answer we already know: because of binding desires and fears not in harmony with our mithya nature.

Contacting Shining World

For years I have happily and diligently responded to communications on the topic of Self realization. Since the publication of my book, “How to Attain Enlightenment”— currently in its third printing —and the success of this website, the volume of emails has increased considerably. Unfortunately, owing to a busy schedule of teaching and writing, I am no longer able to answer all the emails I receive in a timely fashion. However, my wife, who is also a teacher, and several well-qualified teachers we have endorsed are available to answer emails on my behalf. I encourage you to send them your questions.
— James SwartzContact Us